The Stingaree nightclub in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is 22,000 square feet spread over three levels. It has an indoor waterfall, a DJ booth suspended over the dance floor, a roof deck “oasis” with fire pits and, on most weekend nights, a line stretching around the block. The average bar tab at one of the 50-odd tables, its owner says, is $1,300.

An
msn.com
poll of the nation's top new clubs ranked Stingaree at No. 5.
Conde Nast Traveler
put Stingaree on its 2007 Hot List of the country's best nightspots.

It's also where Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was with reality TV star Tila Nguyen, known more widely as Tila Tequila, on Saturday night before they returned to his Poway home and she accused him of choking, restraining and throwing her to the ground. Merriman, who was arrested based on her citizen's complaint, said he was trying to keep her from driving drunk.

Stingaree, according to court records, is where Chargers linebacker Steve Foley was drinking for 3½ hours in 2006 before he drove to his Poway home and was shot in an altercation with an off-duty Coronado police officer.

It's where another Chargers linebacker, Shaun Phillips, reportedly choked and punched a security guard in April — an incident Stingaree management insists did not involve Phillips and was “blown way out of proportion.” Misdemeanor battery charges were dropped.

And it's where San Diego State basketball player Lorrenzo Wade was last year before he was accused of stealing a television in his apartment complex, charges that were later dropped.

Four publicized incidents involving prominent San Diego athletes. Same nightclub.

“There's no way there's a cause and effect,” said James Brennan, the majority owner of Stingaree and several other San Diego nightclubs. “The Merriman and Foley incidents, they happened two hours after our club was dark and shut down, and they happened 30 miles away. If there are 2,000 people at a nightclub, any nightclub, when they dissipate and go home, things can happen.

“We can't control what our clients do after they leave. What we can control is that while they are here, they're safe and they're not overserved (with alcohol). And that's whether they are a Charger or my mailman.”

“For me it's simple,” Brennan said. “No. 1, it's a lack of options. ... It is the No. 1 club probably in all of California and certainly in San Diego. And No. 2, it's where the girls are.

“Most of these guys are ... looking to go out and do what celebrities and athletes do. Which is take advantage of who they are.”

Patrick Dillon, 30, owner of the local clothing company Collar Free who is active on the downtown scene, agreed that the appeal of Stingaree for some Chargers is likely its style, its crowds and the VIP treatment they get.

“They know they can go and get 12 girls on their arm on a consistent basis,” Dillon said.